Lacrosse stick head fastening system and method for fitting lacrosse stick with same

ABSTRACT

A lacrosse stick head fastening system is disclosed that prevents loosening of a lacrosse stick head from a lacrosse stick shaft. The lacrosse stick head fastening system generally includes a fastener body that is located in a head fastening end of a lacrosse stick shaft. A transverse fastener extends transversely through a shaft fastening end of the lacrosse stick head, through the head fastening end of the shaft, and through the fastener body. A longitudinal fastener extends longitudinally through the head and into the fastener body. The transverse fastening device secures the shaft fastening end of the head at both sides, and the longitudinal fastening device applies a force longitudinally to maintain the transverse fastening device in side shear stress, thereby preventing both fastening devices from becoming loose during play. Thus, the lacrosse stick head is held onto the shaft with at least three points of contact as opposed to one.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/019,572, titled “Lacrosse Stick Head Fastening System and Method for Retrofitting Lacrosse Stick With Same,” filed on Jul. 1, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lacrosse sticks, and more particularly, to a fastening system for securing a lacrosse head to a shaft of a lacrosse stick.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In the game of lacrosse, players utilize sticks to pass, receive and shoot a ball. Lacrosse sticks generally include an elongated shaft and a head portion. A player can grip the lacrosse stick along the elongated shaft, and utilize a mesh or other netting of the head portion to receive and shoot the ball. Modern lacrosse sticks feature detachable heads, with the heads being secured to the elongated shaft through a fastener, such as a screw. The fastener extends transversely through a base of the head portion, and through the elongated shaft. During use, such transverse fasteners can loosen, or worse yet, completely fall out. This can cause the head portion to also detach or otherwise become unsuitable for use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better understood by reading the following detailed description, taken together with the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example lacrosse stick with a head fastening system consistent with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the fastener body used in the head fastening system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the fastener body used in the head fastening system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a lacrosse stick including an installed head fastening system.

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the lacrosse stick taken along line A-A in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the installed head fastening system shown in FIGS. 4-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As previously discussed, lacrosse stick heads can loosen during use. This can prevent normal function of the lacrosse stick, or worse yet, pose a safety risk. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a lacrosse stick head fastening system is disclosed herein that prevents loosening of lacrosse stick heads. The lacrosse stick head fastening system generally includes a fastener body that is located in a head fastening end of a lacrosse stick shaft. A transverse fastening device extends transversely through a shaft fastening end of the lacrosse stick head, through the head fastening end of the shaft, and through the fastener body. In addition, a longitudinal fastening device extends longitudinally through the head and into the fastener body. The transverse fastening device secures the shaft fastening end of the head at both sides, and the longitudinal fastening device applies a force longitudinally to maintain the transverse fastening device in side shear stress, thereby preventing both fastening devices from becoming loose during play. Thus, the lacrosse stick head is held onto the shaft with at least three points of contact, as opposed to only one.

The lacrosse stick head fastening system disclosed herein is compatible with numerous types of lacrosse sticks, including those lacrosse sticks that are purchased as a separate shaft and head. Lacrosse stick construction may vary based on numerous factors including, for example, gender of the players, position played, and other league-specific rules. For instance, in the United States, the rules of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) govern dimensions of the stick including length, width, sidewall height, and pocket depth. In any event, the lacrosse stick head fastening system disclosed herein is not limited to one particular lacrosse stick configuration. Manufacturers of lacrosse sticks may integrate the lacrosse stick head fastening system during production of lacrosse sticks. Alternatively, the lacrosse stick head fastening system can be retrofitted into existing lacrosse sticks.

As used herein, “transverse” or “transversely” refers generally to a direction orthogonal or generally orthogonal to an axis of the shaft of the lacrosse stick, and “longitudinal” or “longitudinally” refers to a direction parallel or generally parallel to the axis of the shaft.

Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-6 collectively show an example of a lacrosse stick and lacrosse stick head fastening system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The lacrosse stick head fastening system, consistent with the present disclosure, may be used with various brands, sizes and styles of lacrosse sticks, and is not limited to the lacrosse stick shown in the example embodiments. As discussed above, such sticks may be manufactured with the head fastening system, or later retrofitted to use the head fastening system, as variously disclosed herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of a lacrosse stick 100 is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a fastener body 1 fits into a hollow head fastening end 7 of the shaft 2, and a shaft fastening end 8 of the head 3 fits over or otherwise couples to the head fastening end 7 of the shaft 2. To this end, fastener body 1 may comprise a shape that compliments or otherwise allows insertion of the fastener body 1 lengthwise into the hollow head fastening end 7 of the shaft 2. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1, the fastener body 1 is generally octagonal to generally match the shape of the shaft 2. Other shape configurations of the fastener body 1 will be apparent in light of the present disclosure.

The fastener body 1 may be attached to the shaft 2 by transverse fastener 5 and longitudinal fastener 6, as discussed below. As shown, the transverse fastener 5 comprises a two-part cross bolt. Likewise, longitudinal fastener 6 comprises a self-tapping screw. However, transverse fastener 5 and longitudinal fastener 6 may comprise other fastener types, as should be appreciated in light of this disclosure. Some such example fastener types include, for instance, adhesives, bolts, and bolt and nut combinations, just to name a few. In addition, transverse fastener 5 and longitudinal fastener 6 may comprise metallic or non-metallic materials.

In some embodiments, the fastener body 1 includes additional transverse fasteners (not shown), and the embodiment shown should not be construed as limiting. These additional transverse fasteners may be adjacent to transverse fastener 5, or some distance apart. In addition, these additional transverse fasteners may get inserted at a different sidewall position on sidewall 9, such that the transverse fastener 5 and additional transverse fasteners follow an orthogonal or otherwise non-parallel path relative to the fastener body 1.

As shown, the fastener body 1 includes sidewall 9, a proximal end 10 (positioned near shaft 2), a distal end 11 (positioned near the head 3), a cavity 12, an aperture 13, and a transverse pass through hole 15. As shown, the fastener body 1 comprises a shape wherein the diameter of the fastener body 1 remains constant along its entire length. In other cases, the fastener body 1 includes a shape that tapers from the proximal end 10 to the distal end 11, or vice-versa.

The fastener body 1 may comprise a metallic material such as, for example, aluminum, steel, titanium, scandium, or alloys thereof, that provide structural support sufficient to withstand the impact and sheer force stress that occurs during the game of lacrosse. In another example, fastener body 1 may comprise a non-metallic material such as, for instance, wood, plastic or fiberglass, just to name a few.

The distal end 11 includes an aperture 13 extending into a longitudinal cavity 12 within the fastener body 1. Cavity 12 can comprise a blind hole, such as shown in FIG. 1, or alternatively comprise a through-hole that extends the length of fastener body 1. In some cases, an insert supported by an end wall, such as end wall 19 of FIG. 3 can be utilized. The insert may comprise a metal insert, a plastic insert, or other suitable insert that forms or otherwise supports cavity 12. The insert may provide structural support for the cavity 12 and, optionally, a thread configured to receive longitudinal fastener 6. The dotted lines along cavity 12 may generally represent the extent of cavity 12 internally within the fastener body 1, with or without an insert, as the case may be. In any event, the aperture 13 and cavity 12 may be threaded, or at least partially threaded. To this end, the aperture 13 and cavity 12 may be configured to receive longitudinal fastener 6.

FIG. 2 illustrates one side of the fastener body 1 of FIG. 1 in greater detail, and in particular, the pass through hole 15 configured to receive a transverse fastener. FIG. 3 illustrates the fastener body 1 of FIG. 1 in greater detail. In particular, the aperture 13 is shown in relation to the end wall 19.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a plan view of one example lacrosse stick including an installed fastener body 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As discussed above, fastener body 1 can be installed during manufacturing of the device, or retrofitted into an existing lacrosse stick. One example method of installing the fastener body 1 is discussed below.

FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the fastener body 1 of FIG. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, FIG. 6 includes a first portion of fastener body 1 inserted into shaft 2, and a second portion of fastener body 1 inserted into the head 3. The transverse fastener 5 and longitudinal fastener 6 secure the fastener body 1 to both the shaft 2 and the head 3 through transverse cavity 16 and longitudinal cavity 12, respectively. In addition, the head 3 provides a countersunk recess 17 to allow longitudinal fastener 6 to rest flush or otherwise in a manner that allows adhesive backed rubber pad 4 to attach to head 3 without obstruction.

As previously discussed, the head fastening system disclosed herein may be retrofitted into an existing lacrosse stick, or fitted during manufacturing a lacrosse stick. In either case, such a method may generally include acts of forming a longitudinal cavity through the head 3 at a shaft fastening end of the head, forming a transverse cavity 15 through a head fastening end of the shaft 2, through a fastener body 1, and through the shaft fastening end of the head 3, inserting the fastener body 1 in the head fastening end of the shaft 2 with the transverse cavity 15 aligned, and inserting the shaft fastening end of the head 3 over the head fastening end of the shaft 2 with the transverse cavities 15 aligned, securing a transverse fastening device 5 through the transverse cavities 15, and securing a longitudinal fastening device 6 through the longitudinal cavity 12 and into the fastener body 1. These acts, and other acts described below, may be performed in a different order, omitted, or otherwise augmented, as will be appreciated in light of this disclosure.

In more detail, an existing screw or other fastener that attaches the head 3 to the shaft 2 may be removed. Next, the head 3 may be detached from the shaft 2. The adhesive backed rubber pad 4 may then be removed from the head 3, with care not to touch the pressure-activated adhesive. A longitudinal cavity (hole) may then be formed in the lacrosse head. In some cases, forming the longitudinal cavity includes drilling a hole through the bottom of the head 3. Note, in some cases this also includes forming the longitudinal cavity 12 in the fastener body 1. For instance, the hole drilled may accept a #10 self-tapping screw, with the hole generally aligning with a center of the shaft 2 and fastener body 1 when the head 3 is reattached on to the shaft.

The countersunk recess 17 may then be formed adjacent the longitudinal hole. In an embodiment, forming the countersunk recess 17 may include driving a countersinking drill driver to accommodate the head of a #10 self-tapping screw. The original fastener hole in the shaft may then be widened. Recall this fastener hole may have been exposed earlier after the existing fastener that secured the head 3 to the shaft 2 was removed. In some cases, this includes drilling a 3/16 inch drill driver or #12 drill through one side of the existing fastener hole, and then out through to the other. One side of the fastener hole previously widened may further be widened. In some cases, this includes drilling a 7/32 inch drill driver or #3 drill through one side of the fastener hole, but not the other.

The fastener body 1 may then get inserted into the shaft 2, wherein inserting the shaft 2 may include leaving a portion of the fastener body 1 outside or otherwise external to the shaft 2. Recall that, as discussed above with FIG. 6, one portion of the fastener body 1 gets inserted into the shaft 2 and the other portion gets inserted into the head 3. Depending on the particular head 3, the portion left external to the shaft 2 can measure ¼ inches to 1 inch or more, as the case may be. A partial cavity may then be formed in the fastener body 1. In some cases, this includes using a drill bit that can pass through the smaller of the two sides of the fastener hole of the shaft 2. For instance, a 3/16 inch drill driver may be suitable for one of the holes.

The fastener body 1 may then be removed from the shaft 2, and the transverse cavity 16 may then be formed by extending the previously formed partial cavity. In an embodiment, this can include drilling the 3/16 inch drill driver fully through the partial cavity of the fastener body 1. The fastener body 1 may then be reinserted into the shaft 2 until the transverse cavity of the fastener body 1 and shaft 2 align. The head 3 may then get attached to the portion of the fastener body 1 that is external to the shaft 2 to align the longitudinal cavities of the head 3 and the fastener body 1.

A fastener may then get inserted through the aligned transverse cavities. In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 6, the fastener may comprise a two piece horizontal cross-bolt. In this embodiment, the larger fixed end of the bolt fits into wider side of the hole. At this point, the two piece horizontal cross-bolt may be suitably tightened against shaft 2.

A fastener may then get inserted through the longitudinal cavities of the head 3 and the fastener body 1. In an embodiment, this includes inserting a #10 self-tapping screw into the longitudinal cavity of the head 3, and tightening that self-tapping screw down until the head rests in the countersunk recess 17. As should be appreciated, tightening such a fastener down through the head can advantageously put additional tension on the transverse fastener 5. The bottom pad may then be returned to its original position on the head 3. In some cases, the bottom pad includes pressure-sensitive adhesive that activates once pressed against the head 3.

Although one example embodiment is illustrated, other embodiments are within the scope of the present disclosure. The fastener body, for example, may have other shapes and configurations capable of receiving a transverse fastening device and a longitudinal fastening device. The transverse fastening device and longitudinal fastening device may also include other types of fastening devices.

In one aspect, a lacrosse stick is disclosed. The lacrosse stick includes a shaft having a head fastening end, the shaft being hollow at least at the head fastening end, a head having a shaft fastening end, wherein the shaft fastening end of the head receives the head fastening end of the shaft, and a fastening system fastening the head fastening end of the shaft to the shaft fastening end of the head, the fastening system comprising a fastener body located in the head fastening end of the shaft, a transverse fastening device extending transversely through the shaft fastening end of the head, the head fastening end of the shaft, and the fastener body, and a longitudinal fastening device extending longitudinally through the head and into the fastener body.

The transverse fastening device may include a two-part cross bolt. The longitudinal fastening device may include a self-tapping screw. The fastener body may be made of a solid piece of material. The fastener body may comprise a metal material. The fastener body may include a longitudinal cavity for receiving the longitudinal fastening device, the longitudinal cavity being a blind hold. The head portion of the longitudinal fastening device may be countersunk into the head of the lacrosse stick.

In another aspect, a lacrosse head fastening system for fastening a lacrosse stick head to a lacrosse stick shaft is disclosed. The fastening system comprising a fastener body configured to be located in a head fastening end of the lacrosse stick shaft, a transverse fastening device for extending transversely through a shaft fastening end of the lacrosse stick head, the head fastening end of the lacrosse stick shaft, and the fastener body, and a longitudinal fastening device extending longitudinally through the head and into the fastener body.

The transverse fastening device may include a two-part cross bolt. The longitudinal fastening device may include a self-tapping screw. The fastener body may comprise a solid piece of material. The fastener body may include a constant width along an entire length. The fastener body may include an additional transverse fastening device.

In yet another aspect, a method for installing a head onto a lacrosse stick using a fastening system is disclosed. The method comprising forming a longitudinal cavity through the head at a shaft fastening end of the head, forming a transverse cavity through a head fastening end of the shaft, through a fastener body, and through the shaft fastening end of the head, inserting the fastener body in the head fastening end of the shaft with the transverse cavity aligned, inserting the shaft fastening end of the head over the head fastening end of the shaft with the transverse cavities aligned, securing a transverse fastening device through the transverse cavities, and securing a longitudinal fastening device through the longitudinal cavity and into the fastener body.

The method may further comprise removing an existing fastener securing the head to a shaft of the lacrosse stick, and removing the head from the shaft of the lacrosse stick. In an embodiment, forming the longitudinal cavity through the head at the shaft fastening end further comprises providing a countersunk hole configured to receive a head of the longitudinal fastening device. The method may further comprise removing a pad from the head prior to forming the longitudinal cavity through the head.

In an embodiment, forming the transverse cavity through a head fastening end of the shaft includes drilling a hole through the shaft using a first drill bit, and further includes drilling another portion of the hole with a second drill bit, the second drill bit being larger than the first.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises forming a second transverse cavity in the shaft. In another embodiment, the method further comprises forming a longitudinal cavity through the fastener body.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure, which is not to be limited except by the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A lacrosse stick comprising: a shaft having a head fastening end, the shaft being hollow at least at the head fastening end; a head having a shaft fastening end, wherein the shaft fastening end of the head receives the head fastening end of the shaft; and a fastening system fastening the head fastening end of the shaft to the shaft fastening end of the head, the fastening system comprising: a fastener body located in the head fastening end of the shaft; a transverse fastening device extending transversely through the shaft fastening end of the head, the head fastening end of the shaft, and the fastener body; and a longitudinal fastening device extending longitudinally through the head and into the fastener body.
 2. The lacrosse stick of claim 1, wherein the transverse fastening device includes a two-part cross bolt.
 3. The lacrosse stick of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal fastening device includes a self-tapping screw.
 4. The lacrosse stick of claim 1, wherein the fastener body is made of a solid piece of material.
 5. The lacrosse stick of claim 1, wherein the fastener body comprises a metal material.
 6. The lacrosse stick of claim 1, wherein the fastener body includes a longitudinal cavity for receiving the longitudinal fastening device, the longitudinal cavity being a blind hold.
 7. The lacrosse stick of claim 1, wherein a head portion of the longitudinal fastening device is countersunk into the head of the lacrosse stick.
 8. A lacrosse head fastening system for fastening a lacrosse stick head to a lacrosse stick shaft, the fastening system comprising: a fastener body configured to be located in a head fastening end of the lacrosse stick shaft; a transverse fastening device for extending transversely through a shaft fastening end of the lacrosse stick head, the head fastening end of the lacrosse stick shaft, and the fastener body; and a longitudinal fastening device extending longitudinally through the head and into the fastener body.
 9. The lacrosse head fastening system of claim 8, wherein the transverse fastening device includes a two-part cross bolt.
 10. The lacrosse head fastening system of claim 8, wherein the longitudinal fastening device includes a self-tapping screw.
 11. The lacrosse head fastening system of claim 8, wherein the fastener body comprises a solid piece of material.
 12. The lacrosse head fastening system of claim 8, wherein the fastener body includes a constant width along an entire length.
 13. The lacrosse head fastening system of claim 8, wherein the fastener body includes an additional transverse fastening device.
 14. A method for installing a head onto a lacrosse stick using a fastening system, the method comprising: forming a longitudinal cavity through the head at a shaft fastening end of the head; forming a transverse cavity through a head fastening end of the shaft, through a fastener body, and through the shaft fastening end of the head; inserting the fastener body in the head fastening end of the shaft with the transverse cavity aligned; inserting the shaft fastening end of the head over the head fastening end of the shaft with the transverse cavities aligned; securing a transverse fastening device through the transverse cavities; and securing a longitudinal fastening device through the longitudinal cavity and into the fastener body.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: removing an existing fastener securing the head to a shaft of the lacrosse stick; and removing the head from the shaft of the lacrosse stick.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein forming the longitudinal cavity through the head at the shaft fastening end further comprises providing a countersunk hole configured to receive a head of the longitudinal fastening device.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing a pad from the head prior to forming the longitudinal cavity through the head.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein forming the transverse cavity through a head fastening end of the shaft includes drilling a hole through the shaft using a first drill bit, and further includes drilling another portion of the hole with a second drill bit, the second drill bit being larger than the first.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming a second transverse cavity in the shaft.
 20. The method of claim 14, further comprising forming a longitudinal cavity through the fastener body. 